A method for assessing the risk of socially dangerous aggressive behavior in persons with severe mental disorders

Background. The tendency to aggression is a factor contributing to the social danger of persons with mental disorders. Existing approaches and methods make it possible to assess predominantly clinical-psychopathological, anamnestic and social parameters that affect the likelihood of committing socially dangerous acts. Tools for assessing the likelihood of aggression based on biological predictors are currently not available. Objective: development of a technology for determining the risk of socially dangerous aggressive behavior in persons with severe mental disorders with the assessment of biological indicators. Materials and Methods. The technology was developed based on the results of a survey of 219 respondents diagnosed with a severe mental disorder (ICD-10 codes F00-09, F20-29, F70-72). The main group (n=105) included patients with persistent aggressive behavior who committed violent offences; comparison group (n=114) - patients with law-abiding behavior. Results. With the help of mathematical and statistical tools, a Method for assessing the risk of socially dangerous aggressive behavior in persons with severe mental disorders was developed. The method consists in the complex application of the laboratory research method and psychometry. At the first stage, urine and blood are taken from the subject, followed by determination of the levels of serotonin in the urine and hormones - cortisol and testosterone in the blood. Further, based on the data obtained, the regression equation is calculated using a special formula. At the second stage, screening of potential social danger is provided according to the method of structured risk assessment of dangerous behavior (SOROP). At the third stage, based on the results of the complex application of the laboratory method of research and psychometry, a conclusion is made about the risk of the patient's aggressive behavior, the likelihood of his/her committing socially dangerous actions of a violent nature. Conclusion. The method can be used in addition to clinical assessment to improve the accuracy of predicting the likelihood of socially dangerous aggressive behavior of persons with severe mental disorders.